Brearley to deliver Bradman Oration
Published: 27 August 2013

Former England captain and MCC World Cricket committee Chairman Mike Brearley will deliver the 11th Bradman oration in Melbourne in 23 October.

One of the finest captains in the history of international cricket, Brearley accepted an invitation from Cricket Australia Chief Executive to deliver the Oration - which 'honours the name of the great Don Bradman with a discussion on contemporary cricket issues.'

And Brearley, who skippered England in 31 of his 39 Tests, spoke of his delight at delivering the speech - particularly in the middle of back-to-back Ashes series.

"There is hardly any comparable rivalry in cricket - with the elements of myth, of ancient colonial attitudes, and of matches fought with utter passion but also with fair-mindedness," he said.

"One remembers the moment in the Centenary Test at Melbourne when Rod Marsh recalled Derek Randall at a crucial stage, and the time when at the moment of victory at Edgbaston Andrew Flintoff put his arm round Brett Lee"

Brearley discusses the Bradman Oration

He also hinted at what topics might feature in his oration, adding: "There are so many issues in and for cricket now - the future of Test cricket, T20 cricket and what it brings, the working of the Decision Review System, as well as inherent questions about sport's (and particularly cricket's) meaning and role in a fulfilled life."

The Bradman Oration was inaugurated in August 2000, six months before the death of Sir Donald, with then-Australia-Prime Minister John Howard presenting the first Oration.